Kurram Tribal District Urged to Surrender Illegal Weapons for Lasting Peace
In a bid to secure lasting peace, safe passage, and law enforcement in the Kurram tribal district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhary has stressed the critical importance of surrendering all illegal weapons. Speaking at the Commissioner House in Kohat during a gathering of Kurram Grand Jirga participants, Chief Secretary Chaudhary underscored the pivotal role of community collaboration in conflict resolution.
The high-level meeting, attended by key officials including IGP Akhtar Hayat Khan, GOC Kohat Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Commissioner Kohat Division Syed Mutasim Billah Shah, RPO Kohat Abbas Majeed Marwat, Deputy Commissioner Kohat Abdul Akram, and prominent parliamentarians from Kurram district, highlighted the urgent need for peace-building efforts.
While the conflict in Kurram may seem to involve two opposing factions, Chief Secretary Chaudhary cautioned against the infiltration of extremist elements seeking to stoke animosity. He urged both sides to unite in identifying and isolating such disruptive forces to thwart their nefarious agendas.
Reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment, Chaudhary assured that the Kohat Agreement would be rigorously enforced with the full cooperation of all concerned parties. “Understanding and tolerance are essential to safeguard our communities and citizens. This situation demands serious attention,” he emphasized.
Promising a strict adherence to the rule of law, Chaudhary issued a stern warning to those flouting government directives. “Violations will not be tolerated, and strict legal action will follow. FIRs are not merely paperwork; they will be diligently pursued, and wrongdoers will face the consequences,” he declared.
Encouraging unity and shared responsibility, the Chief Secretary called upon the youth of Kurram to actively engage in peace-building initiatives. He urged both factions to collaborate closely with the government to uphold law and order in the region.
In a show of solidarity and support, Chief Secretary Chaudhary, accompanied by IG Police, visited Hangu district to assess the conditions at a temporary relief camp set up for families displaced from Kurram villages. Expressing satisfaction with the facilities, he interacted with the affected residents, offering reassurance of the government’s commitment to addressing their needs.
Expert Insights: Prioritizing Disarmament for Sustainable Peace
Renowned conflict resolution expert Dr. Maya Khan from the Institute of Peace Studies emphasized the critical role of disarmament in achieving sustainable peace in conflict-ridden regions like Kurram. “The surrender of illegal weapons is a vital step towards de-escalating tensions, fostering trust among communities, and ultimately paving the way for peaceful coexistence,” Dr. Khan remarked.
As tensions persist in Kurram, the onus lies on all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue, cooperation, and the relinquishment of arms for the collective well-being of the region. Through concerted efforts and a commitment to disarmament, a future of harmony and security beckons for Kurram’s residents.
With the imperative of surrendering illegal weapons resonating across the Kurram tribal district, the path to lasting peace and stability hinges on a unified resolve to set aside differences, embrace dialogue, and work towards a shared vision of tranquility and prosperity.
